Access Rising Star: Dana Davis Of ‘Heroes’

She’s arguably the best new character on season 2 of “Heroes,” but who is Rising Star Dana Davis, the actress who plays Micah’s mimicking Aunt, Miss Monica Dawson?

The woman who added some fun to the somewhat serious show by doing a pro-wrestling move to fend off a fast food restaurant robber, is no stranger to TV and film.

For years, the Dawson, Iowa bred twenty-something has been appearing in guest slots on hit shows including Kristin Bell’s old stomping grounds — “Veronica Mars,” “The OC,” “CSI: Miami” and “Cold Case.” She also starred last year on ABC’s cancelled “The Nine,” alongisde Tim Daly.

Davis has had some pretty amazing big screen co-stars too.

She had a role in the Samuel L. Jackson fronted “Coach Carter,” and starred opposite perky blonde, Hilary Duff in the emotional, teenage tale, “Raise Your Voice.” In the 2004 film, Davis, who played scholarship music kid Denise Gilmore, used her own musical abilities as part of her role.

Music is something close to Davis’ heart. She is a classically trained musician and studied the viola for over a decade. Davis took her passion to college too, receiving a degree in music from Loyola Marymount in 2001.

Fans have already seen Davis showcase some of her musical abilities on “Heroes” alongside her on-screen nephew Noah Gray-Cabey, who himself is a piano virtuoso.

While we love her on screen for working hard to protect her family in a post-hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, off screen Davis shares her own love with a host of charities.

She has volunteered for the Kids’ Church and the Los Angeles Dream Center-sponsored Adopt-a-Block. The later organization helps bring food to families as well as helps them with things like yard work and removing graffiti in various LA neighborhoods.

She has also volunteered for Empowering Lives International, an organization aimed at ending poverty in the neediest African regions.